Bruce Pearl ‘keeps it 100’ with players about early upset risks

Expectations are incredibly high for Bruce Pearl and the men’s basketball team at Auburn. The Tigers are expected to compete for an SEC championship and then make a deep run into the NCAA Tournament. This, in turn, has put a target on the back of Auburn this season.

While speaking to the media, Bruce Pearl was asked if he talks to the team about upsets, especially given the high number of early season upsets this year.

“Hey, we keep it 100,” Bruce Pearl laughed. “We talk specifically about it, and look, [if] what we do don’t work if we’re not the most exciting team to play, that was a big opportunity for Winthrop and we were as excited about playing as they were.”

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Bruce Pearl knows that lower-level teams are going to take their best shot at Auburn when they get the chance to do so. At the same time, these are good teams who have a chance to win their conference and make it to the NCAA Tournament too.

“I thought our physicality, so absolutely. We don’t edit. We do not edit. They’re gonna get it from me, and look, Winthrop is picked one or two in their league. If that team is able to–I hope they have a great year. They’re gonna have a really good year. That’s a really good team at that level. I hope they’re in the tournament. That way that win means more.”

Auburn beat Winthrop 89-65, taking care of business. To this point, Auburn is 3-0 and hasn’t fallen victim to any early season upsets. However, the Tigers will need to keep their focus as the season goes on.

Bruce Pearl on Chance Westry’s return

Chance Westry was able to return from injury against Winthrop. After the game, Bruce Pearl gave his impressions on how Westry played in his return.

“First of all, Dr. Anders did a great job,” Bruce Pearl said. “Clark, Dave, our trainers and Chance have done a great job with the rehab. We’re just never gonna rush it. Never. But he has missed so much. He missed the entire fall. Again, I put him in a very tough spot tonight playing three positions, but it was great to have him out there. He’ll play well. He can do a lot with and without the ball. He’s a good player.”